Chicago

Bulls

Smith started Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets but injured his right quad. On Wednesday, he was diagnosed with a strain and appears likely to miss at least one game. With Jalen Smith (calf) also doubtful, the Bulls could turn to Nick Richards to start alongside Guerschon Yabusele.

While Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday that he expects Smith to miss some time after straining his right calf during Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, he is officially listed as doubtful for Thursday’s game. Guerschon Yabusele played 27 minutes as the starting center in Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets, with Nick Richards logging 22 as the backup. Expect a similar setup on Thursday.

Smith missed Tuesday’s game against the Hornets after exiting early from Sunday’s game against the Knicks. It appears that he may miss a few games, at least. Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards will be the center options for Chicago moving forward.

Williams started in place of Jalen Smith (calf) on Tuesday, but his status for Thursday’s game against the Trail Blazers is up in the air. Nick Richards could start if both Williams and Smith are sidelined, while Collin Sexton should see extra minutes off the bench.

In a blowout loss to Charlotte, Buzelis was the line bright spot. He accounted for nearly one-third of Chicago’s points, which was a new season high for him. This was a spectacular showing for him, but it wasn’t enough to snap the Bulls’ 10-game losing streak. He hasn’t had the breakout season that many were expecting from him, but more outings like this down the stretch could make him a league-winner.

With Jalen Smith (calf) sidelined for this game, Williams will return to the starting unit. He dished out a season-high eight assists in their last game, and he was productive in his most recent start. Williams hasn’t produced much this season, but he will hold some upside in this game.

Injured during Saturday’s loss to the Pistons, Simons was initially diagnosed with a left wrist contusion. Further imaging revealed a small fracture, with Bulls coach Billy Donovan saying the injury was an aggravation of one suffered earlier this season. The hope is that Simons will be able to play in 10-14 days. His absence from the rotation should ensure Rob Dillingham gets the minutes he should within the Bulls’ rebuild.

Smith sustained a right calf strain in Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, and it will cost him at least one game. In Smith’s absence, Guerschon Yabusele should see additional run, making him a worthwhile pickup off the waiver wire.

Simons missed Sunday’s loss to the Knicks after injuring his wrist on Saturday against the Pistons. The Bulls are now calling the 26-year-old shooting guard’s injury a left wrist contusion, rather than a sprain. Rob Dillingham saw some more minutes with Simons out Sunday and should continue to have a role for the rest of the season.

Williams hasn’t done enough to merit trust in fantasy leagues, even with the Bulls clearly rebuilding. However, he did provide solid value in the assist category on Sunday, with the eight assists being a new season-high. If Jalen Smith (calf) has to miss time, Williams should be one of the players who benefits from an opportunity standpoint. However, he still hasn’t consistently shown the ability to take advantage of those situations.